Day 25. The West MacDonnell Ranges 5/06/2015

A 2.9 deg start to the day so the warm clothes were on early but it didn’t take long to warm up as the sunshine broke through.

We first drove to Anzac Hill a wonderful memorial precinct that is high on a hill overlooking the township. The markers acknowledged all wars and conflicts that Australia has been involved in including peacekeeping duties that are still being carried out to this day.

Supermarket shopping was next on the list to stock up for the next few days as we will be isolated on the farm at Ti Tree.  After lunch we headed off along the Larapinta Drive that took us away from town through the West MacDonnell Ranges and into the National Park. A short distance out from town we came across the grave site of John Flynn the founder of the famous Royal Doctor Service, who died in 1951. A very interesting story was told about how the large round stone that was used as a marker for the grave came from the sacred women’s site of Karlu Karlu (The Devils Marbles). The traditional owners and the European custodians of Flynn’s grave were in dispute which was finally settled and the first stone was returned to its sacred site and a replacement stone was installed at the grave site.

Continuing on some distance with the beautiful MacDonnell ranges surrounding us we the drove to the Standley Chasm. The walking trail into the Chasm was very lovely and followed a spring fed creek where the pools attract a variety of wildlife particularly birds.  There were beautiful river gums and many species of delicate ferns such as the Cycad palm that have survived here in the shadow of the arid hills from another age. The Chasm was breathtaking with sheer quartzite walls that were of rich colours. A really wonderful experience.
Rod and Jude made the trip to Simpsons Gap. Breathtaking. The waterhole at the base of the the cliffs looked very enticing. No crocs here.
As we are leaving Alice Springs tomorrow we did some preparation for our departure. later day.  Ours stay here has been absolutely wonderful. 
We would recommend the Big4 MacDonald ranges park to any that travel this way. Try to get sites 57 or 58.
Looking forward to break at oolloo farm. The remington will be coming out with bunny on the menu.

The town of Alice springs.

Some details

Grave site of John Flynn.

Hiking into Standley Chasm.

Further up the walk.

Playing games behind a palm.

Nearly at the top. Well worth the effort.

Most spectacular chasm.

Right to the end. A magnificent walk.

At the Anzac hill lookout.

Some details